I’ve just returned from a month of intensive study in Seville, Spain and am excited for the next session. This summer brought me back to classes with some of my favourite teachers, including Ramon Martinez, Oruco, Torombo, and the Farruco family. I also had the opportunity to experience classes with teachers new to me including: dancers Miguel el Rubio, Manuela Rios, Carmen Ledesma, Adela Campallo, Polito, Carpeta, Africa Fernandez; singer Antonio Villar; and flamenco pianist David Peña Dorantes.

You can see a video of our dance class with Polito (of the Farruco family) at this link

For one week, I took part in the festival Utrera Suena, studying daily with dancers Carmen Ledesma and Adela Campallo, and pianist David Peña Dorantes.

You can catch an interview with Carmen Ledesma (and me!) and video of our dance class at this link: Keep watching after the interview to hear the amazing young singer Reyes Carrasco from Utrera who was also in our dance classes.

You can see the results of our 4 day workshop at the piano in the recorded performance at this link: Students were drawing from a variety of experience. Some came with pre-prepared pieces, some composed them during the week, some were improvising in pairs. My piece was an improvisation on a piece by Dorantes.

The festival had free performances each night. You can see a bit from the performance of Dorantes with Renaud Garcia Fons at this link

It was an amazing and intense summer of immersion. I am so excited to get back to classes to share what I have learned.

There are a lot of exciting things coming up for the Edmonton Flamenco Festival this year. We are gearing up for the March 10th Mainstage performance at the Winspear followed by workshops on the 11th and 12th. We are in the process of finalizing the contracts with our international artists now. The Festival Fundraiser is in the planning stages for end of Nov./beginning of Dec. There is also a flashmob in the works, information coming soon.

Hope to see you this Fall!
Jane

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